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Summary

This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:

Gaza

the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar along the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’)

east of Route 98 along the Syrian border

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:

all other parts of Israel within 5km of the Israeli/Lebanese border

A number of people were injured in an attack on pedestrians near the Jerusalem Light Rail Shimon Ha’Tzadik station on 6 March. There is an ongoing risk of security incidents on public transport in East Jerusalem, particularly on the Light Rail. You should avoid using public transport in Jerusalem.

There is an ongoing risk of security incidents on public transport in Tel Aviv. There have been attacks on buses in the Greater Tel Aviv area in recent months, including a knife attack on 21 January when 12 people were wounded. Take extra care and be vigilant when using public transport, in particular public buses in the greater Tel Aviv area. You may wish to consider using other forms of transport.

Take care near the Old City and in East Jerusalem. There are frequent demonstrations, especially after Friday prayers. Some protests lead to violent clashes. Stay alert at all times in and leave the area if there is tension or unrest.

There is a risk of security incidents on public transport in East Jerusalem, particularly on the Light Rail. You should avoid using public transport in Jerusalem.

The situation in East Jerusalem and the West Bank remains tense and the security situation is volatile. Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest can occur at short notice and often turn violent. A heavy Israeli security presence is likely. Be extra vigilant and take great care, particularly at the Qalandiya checkpoint between East Jerusalem and Ramallah, in areas close to refugee camps, in and around Israeli settlements and in the cities of Jenin, Nablus, Ramallah and Hebron. You should be especially vigilant after Friday prayers and on religious holidays.

Don’t attempt to enter Gaza by sea, breaching the restrictions imposed by the Israeli navy. The FCO advise against participating in flotillas or overland convoys to Gaza because of the risks involved. Take extreme care when travelling in areas of Israel close to the border with Gaza and follow local Israeli security guidance closely.

The Rafah border with Egypt regularly closes with no warning and for long periods of time. At these times it may be impossible to enter or leave Gaza. If you’re in Gaza and leave via this route, please inform the FCO by calling +44 207008 1500. Check the Egypt travel advice before you consider entering Egypt at Rafah.

Rocket attacks and sporadic gunfire have occurred in northern Israel without warning since 2012. On 27 August 2014, the Israeli authorities closed parts of Route 98 (from Bar’on intersection to Alonei Habashan) due to an increase in fighting on the Syrian side of the border, especially by the Quneitra border crossing, which has been seized by Syrian rebel groups.

Visa and other entry requirements are complex. Make sure you’re aware of Israeli immigration policies before you travel. Allow extra time for increased security measures and checks at airports during Israeli holidays and during the peak summer tourist season. See Entry Requirements